My name is a combination of my sister and parents’ names: Anne, Gemma, and Elias. However, many call me Angel, Angie, Gels, or Geli. I welcome many pronunciations of my name because I love to hear my name in different accents: European (Ahn-Juh-Lee), American (Anne,Gel-Ee), and Filipino (Anne-Jelly).
I love to drink boba, especially with friends and family. My go to order is a taro or ube smoothie, but my ultimate favorite is strawberry coconut. I love to put pudding, boba pears, aloe vera, or agar jelly in my order. Want to join me some time?
A trait many have described me to have is being conscientious. At any given moment, I always try to do my best given the bandwidth I have for the day. I always try to put everyone’s best interests at heart and make the right choice accordingly. I may not be perfect at it, but I strive to overcome my mental struggles in order to be more consistent at it.
I have always been eager to be behind the wheel. Growing up, I loved go-kart racing at the mall and would play the racing games in arcades. My dad and I collected mini Ferrari racecars from Shell, and would race using his remote controlled toy cars. Now, I love exploring by driving and enjoy listening to music or audiobooks during my commutes.
My dad is a big influence on the visual artist I am today. He would always share his current projects with me whether that be illustrations, banner designs, or photographs. In turn, I grew up doing the same. He taught my sister and I to be diligent and protective. My dad is an embodiment of strength.
I see myself as a family-oriented person. I always make sure I have time throughout my week to spend quality time with them, whether that be as a complete group or one-on-one. We would make it a point to share meals and travel together. I hope to have a similar dynamic when I have a family of my own.
My mom is one of my biggest inspirations in life. Not only is she beautiful, but intelligent and gracious as well. She is why I am drawn to dance, speech, theatre, and marching/concert band. I aspire to be a confident and humble leader like her. My mom is my most precious gem.
While “angel” was not the inspiration for my name, many have described me to be like one. I have always been drawn to them in the stories I’ve heard and pictures I’ve seen. They are seen as messengers, guides, and protectors of humans. I strive to be angel-like. It is why I want to be a good communicator, mentor, and leader one day. I look out to extend a helping hand whenever I have the means to do so.
Ice cream is my favorite dessert. So much so that I worked in two shops. I enjoy experimenting with different flavors, toppings, serving vessels (waffle bowls, ah-boong, sundaes, etc.) and all possible combinations of these. My favorite flavor is Mint Chocolate Chip because it’s the most refreshing flavor, especially on a hot day. I love ice cream!
Would it be a surprise if I told you that Geli likes jelly? Before boba, the very first topping I ever put in my drink is coffee jelly. I love Buko Pandan which is a Filipino dessert with green jellies, sweet cream, and coconut. One of my favorite snacks are jelly cups like the lychee flavored ones. And yes, people have called me Jelly, JellyAce, or JellyBean.
An important lesson my parents have instilled in me is the value of knowledge (and wisdom). If there ever comes a time I lose everything, one thing no one can take from me is my knowledge. I have kept my child-like wonder to this day. I listen to podcasts, read articles, and watch video tutorials, especially if it’s related to art or self-help.
I see myself as a lover girl at heart. Both in the platonic and romantic sense. Hand-written letters, quality time, and a warm embrace goes a long way in my book as a giver and receiver. A box of chocolates is great too. .
Out of all the disciplines in the Arts, music is the most important one to me. It was the background of my ballet recitals, late-night study sessions, long drives, marching band competitions, editing blocks, or almost any activity really. I also curate playlists to fit specific interests. Headphones and earbuds are an essential in my bag.
BI love having a nook all to myself. Ever since I was little, I would pick a secluded spot to study, work, or play. You will likely find me in a cozy little set up heavily focused on a project while sipping some matcha to keep me calmly energized.
Most of my free time is spent online keeping up with trends in pop culture, or catching up with friends and family across timezones. I have various bookmark folders for project inspiration, outfit ideas, and food recommendations. I guess my screen time will remain high as a creative in the digital age.
The Philippines is my motherland. It is where I spent my childhood and learned Tagalog which I still use today. Its customs, music, and cuisine are all alive in my household acting as daily reminders of my roots and identity. One day, I hope to share Filipino pride on a global scale through my work.
Viral social media moments, authors, song lyrics … you name it, I’ve quoted it. I love a good cultural reference, especially when it becomes a running joke between my loved ones and I. That’s just how I stay silly.
Before you ask, yes, I’ve been referred to by my surname too. It brought my dad so much pride when I shared with him that my high school band director and my peers call me Rozul. Whenever they wanted to hype me up or highlight an achievement of mine, they would cheer ROZUL!!!! It is one of my fondest memories to this day.
A big age gap did not stop my sister and I from growing close. From voicing my stuffed animals to exploring the latest trending cafés, she has been my companion in many formative experiences. I learned to be adventurous and courageous because of her. She was also by my side as a student of the Arts. My sister acts as a touchstone when it comes to me finding my best friends.
One of the fondest memories I have with my mom is watching the Q and A portions of beauty pageants, especially Miss Universe. I admired how composed and educated contestants would sound, and I aspired to communicate like them. When I started speaking in front of small groups, I was told that I had a talent in speech. This makes me feel closer to my goal.
If a product or treat I use is not flavored or scented coconut, it is probably ube. It’s swirled into my drinks, frozen treats, and pastries. It’s infused with my lip balm, body butter, and perfumes.
As a minimalist, I love multi-purpose products. A tablet that acts as my drawing pad, tv, and planner? A dock that has a variety of ports for different devices? Consider me sold. As a creative, I love learning about different disciplines. Fashion. Website coding. Food. Sound design. Consider me inspired.
I love to travel. I could be exploring cities neighboring my hometown, or dreaming of flying across the Pacific Ocean again. It is the discovery of different cultures and cuisines that has me excited planning my next adventure. My favorite souvenirs are maps and keychains.
When I watched parades as a kid, my eyes were either drawn to the majorette or the xylophone player. Little did I know that this piano-like instrument would come back to change my life forever. Through mallet percussion, I learned many life lessons and found my long-term friends.
What helps me stay optimistic is yearning. I seek wonderful experiences and deep relationships. I dream about my life goals, and look forward to the next moment that makes my heart feel full. Yearning fuels my hope.
In the zone? Flow state? Locked in? Whatever it’s called nowadays, it’s one of my most favorite feelings. When I am immersed in the task at hand, time and productivity skyrockets. Just give me some music, snacks, and the quietness of evenings, then, you’ll find me at my best.